The seaside resort of Fort-Mahon-Plage has developed along the coast between the Authie Bay and the Baie de Somme, becoming a popular destination for seaside tourism in the Hauts-de-France region.
This family-friendly seaside resort in the Somme department is renowned for its friendly atmosphere and wide range of outdoor activities, and offers an authentic camping experience just a stone's throw from the sea. Whether you're a water sports enthusiast (particularly sand yachting), a wildlife-watching enthusiast or simply looking to relax, camping at Fort-Mahon-Plage offers the perfect base from which to enjoy the riches of the Picardy coastline. Let yourself be seduced by this destination where unspoilt nature and a variety of activities combine perfectly for an unforgettable camping holiday, just a stone's throw from one of the most beautiful bays in the world.
Which campsites should I choose in Fort-Mahon-Plage?
There are 7 campsites in Fort-Mahon-Plage for your holidays in the Baie de Somme. Among them, camping Le Royon **** welcomes you to the heart of an 8-hectare wooded meadow, just 2 km from the most beautiful sandy beaches. This campsite offers 376 pitches and 194 mobile homes to rent, as well as an aquatic area with indoor and outdoor pools. Le Vert Gazon *** campsite is located in the heart of Fort-Mahon-Plage, 1.8 km from the beach. This family-friendly campsite offers 131 pitches and 23 accommodation units in a green setting, with a heated swimming pool open in season.
Near Fort-Mahon-Plage, you'll also find plenty of other campsites for your stay in the Baie de Somme. The Yelloh! Village Le Ridin**** campsite in Le Crotoy offers an exceptional setting just 1.5km from the sea. In Quend, the Capfun Dune Fleurie campsite**** welcomes you to a preserved natural environment, on the edge of the lake and 5 minutes from Quend Plage. Further north, the Val d'Authie***** campsite in Villers-sur-Authie offers a haven of peace and nature in its 7-hectare landscaped park. Finally, the La Ferme des Aulnes**** campsite in Nampont has a charming rural setting and a small, authentic Picardy farmhouse on the campsite site.
What can you do in the Baie de Somme from your campsite?
The Baie de Somme reveals its unique natural treasures between land and sea. The dune massifs offer an ideal playground for hikers, while the Manche coastline delights lovers of bouchot mussel fishing. In the Marquenterre nature reserve, a fascinating spectacle awaits you, with migratory waterfowl and open grasslands dotted with wild flowers.
Just a few minutes from your campsite in the Baie de Somme, the Parc du Marquenterre invites you to observe some exceptional wildlife: wild rabbits, aquatic insects and various bird species populate this natural sanctuary. For families, the Aquaclub de Belle Dune offers a wave pool and refreshing water attractions.
Extend your exploration with the sentier du Royon, in Picardie maritime, a 4-kilometre loop between Quend-Plage and Fort-Mahon-Plage, which crosses dunes and pinewoods in a protected setting, ideal for a stroll of around 1? hours. Finally, extend your exploration as far as Cayeux-sur-Mer, where a plank path runs for several kilometres along the shingle beach. This emblematic walk offers breathtaking views of the changing landscapes of the bay, particularly magical at sunset.
Activities and leisure at the heart of the seaside resort of Fort-Mahon-Plage
A wide range of activities on the beach, to the rhythm of the tides
The immense sandy beach of Fort-Mahon-Plage is the ideal playground for a multitude of sporting and leisure activities. Thrill-seekers can try their hand at sand yachting on the large expanses of damp sand, or kite-surfing when the wind blows along the coast. For gentler watersports activities, the water sports centre offers canoeing and paddling, perfect for exploring the coast at your own pace. Families will particularly appreciate the traditional sea bathing and lazing around during the summer, with a supervised swimming area accessible from the avenue de la plage. Sports enthusiasts can also take advantage of the exceptional setting to play longe-côte, beach volleyball or simply go for a jog on the sand. At the end of the day, there's nothing like a walk along the dunes to admire the sunset over the sea. All these activities are easily accessible from your campsite for an active seaside holiday.
Some activities, such as sand yachting and long-distance sailing, are best enjoyed at low tide, so check the tide tables to make the most of the beach.
A dynamic and lively town centre
In the heart of the seaside resort, the Avenue de la Plage comes alive every day with its many colourful shops. Terrace cafés welcome strollers in a relaxed atmosphere, while traditional restaurants offer local specialities such as bouchot mussels and freshly caught seafood.
The covered market, open on Tuesdays (April to October) and Friday mornings (all year round), is a great place to meet. Local producers share their local produce in a friendly atmosphere. Craftspeople also display their skills, offering visitors authentic souvenirs of the Picardy coast.
In the evening, the main street lights up and musical entertainment punctuates the nightlife, creating a festive atmosphere that is particularly popular during the summer season. The ice-cream parlours and tea rooms extend these moments of relaxation until the last light of day.
A wide range of events and fun activities
The Fort-Mahon Plage casino
The Fort-Mahon-Plage casino is just a few steps from the seafront. It's the place to be for lovers of gaming, gastronomy and culture, and plays an active part in the liveliness of the seaside resort.
The casino is also home to the Le Passe-Pierre restaurant, which serves cuisine inspired by northern specialities.
The Fort-Mahon-Plage Casino, one of the largest gaming establishments on the Picardy coast after Le Touquet, offers slot machines, electronic games and cultural events throughout the year (concerts, karaoke, plays and exhibitions).
Belle Dune golf course
Located to the south of the resort, this 18-hole course is part of the Belle Dune village club. It is regularly ranked as one of the most beautiful golf courses in France. The course winds its way through dunes, pines and ponds, offering a unique golfing experience in a protected natural environment.
It welcomes all golfers, including holidaymakers staying at campsites, subject to booking,
Frequently asked questions about Fort-Mahon
How can I see the seals at Fort-Mahon?
To watch seals from Fort-Mahon-Plage, head for the Baie d'Authie, where a colony has settled. The best observation spot is near the Berck-sur-Mer nautical base, just a few kilometres from Fort-Mahon. Seals can be seen all year round, whether for a weekend or a longer holiday in the Somme département.
To maximise your chances of spotting seals, choose low tide, when they are resting on the sandbanks. Keep a distance of 300 metres, use binoculars, check the tide tables and take part in a guided outing to find out more.
You can also spot them on a walk along the Picardie maritime coastline, between Fort-Mahon and Quend-Plage.
Why is the town called Fort-Mahon?
There are several hypotheses as to the origin of the name Fort-Mahon. Situated in the Somme département, the commune may have taken its name from Fort Mahon, an 18th-century military fort named after the island of Menorca conquered by the French under Louis XV.
Other explanations include an ancient fort built in the dunes, named after an officer who inspected it, or the Picardy word "mahon", meaning a poppy or a traditional form of wrestling. The hamlet of Vieux-Fort-Mahon, which is absent from old maps, may also have influenced the name.
What can you do in Fort-Mahon-Plage when it rains?
Even in the rain, Fort-Mahon-Plage is full of surprises. In terms of culture, the Musée du Vieux Fort (Old Fort Museum) provides an insight into local history through old objects and archives. For a moment of calm, head for a spa or wellness centre: massage, hammam or facial treatment will help you forget the bad weather. And to keep the kids occupied, the indoor playrooms and creative workshops such as pottery and painting are perfect for spending quality time together as a family.